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I've noticed in Activity Monitor that the "Security Agent" process is consuming 100% of a CPU core. What's more is that there are 4 "Security Agent" processes running, each at 100%!
I've noticed this problem happens every 7 days or so and I can't figure out why. The only reason I notice is that I come up to my iMac and the fans are running trying to cool the thing as it struggles with the runs away "Security Agent" processes.
Please help!
iMac 27", 10.15
I do not see such a process on my system. I found a reference in one of the Developers manuals:
Security Agent
The Security Agent is a separate process that provides the user interface for the Security Server in macOS (not iOS). Its primary purpose is to request authentication whenever an app requests additional privileges.
When the Security Server requires the user to authenticate, the Security Agent displays a dialog requesting a user name and password. The advantages of performing this action in a separate process are twofold. First, an application can obtain authorization without ever having access to the user’s credentials (username and password, for example). Second, it enables Apple to add new forms of authentication without requiring every application to understand them.
The Security Agent requires that the user be physically present in order to be authenticated. Because the graphical user interface elements can’t be used through a command-line interface such as the Terminal app or a secure shell (ssh) remote session, this restriction makes it much more difficult for a malicious user to breach an app’s security.
Perhaps this may help you track down what is causing the problem. One thing you might try:
About Safe Mode
Boot into safe mode then restart normally. This clears out a number of caches which may stop the process from eating up so much CPU time. Safe mode is much slower than a normal startup, so be patient.
The issue is back. I am now thinking it is related to my daughter logging into the iMac with her account which is under parental control. Really disappointing.
you should install windows， Macos is not mature
I haven't observed since last 3 weeks, this issue is gone for now.
My fans are always off mostly unless i connect monitor or running some intensive jobs.
Still getting this issue for my MacBook Pro (15-inch 2018), MacOs Catalina 10.15.2.
Annoying...
I have the same issue since I created an account for the other members of my family in my Mac mini 2018. It disappears for a few days when I reboot, but then appears again.
It is very disappointing.
I too have this issue whilst running normal account - RMBP Mid-2012 MaocOS 10.15.3; second account logged with parental controls enabled
I only got this problem when an external monitor is connected.
Seems that we're closing in on a diagnose, which can lead to a proper solution from development :-)
I think this is a Catalina issue not a hardware issue - the first time I experienced it was once I’d added an account to my 2012 rMBP for my son and he’d left himself logged in.
I don’t think it is a hardware problem. I have been using the Mac Mini for 1 year in Mojave without this issue and only when moving to Catalina started to suffer it.
Hi , you have probably given access to some particular app
Had the same issue. Force quit it and reboot.
And really annoying it is happening to a new MacBook Pro. Shame.
Runs so hot and noisy - same
could you please stop trolling? help to solve a problem or don't write please.
I noticed the same issue happening when kids log on to their account.
OS version is 10.15.4 so its not fixed by updates.
Security Agent causing high cpu
